SCOTLAND
Geography
Covers just over 30,000 sq. miles (77,000 sq. km). There are many hundreds of islands in Scotland but only around 130 are inhabited.
Scotland is divided into 3 main areas: Highlands, Central Lowlands and Southern Uplands.
The population is just over 5 million and the majority live in the Central Lowlands.
Scotland is a land of mountains, moorlands, forests, rivers, lochs, glens and spectacular coastline. And amongst the dramatic scenery are many beautiful castles.
From all of Scotland’s major cities the countryside is within easy access. And, of course you are never very far from the coast.
Scotland has two National Parks: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and The Cairngorms.
All the major cities (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness) have an airport and good rail and road links.
Glasgow and Edinburgh are only 46 miles apart. A large number of people live in one city and work in the other.
Language
Although there are 3 official languages in Scotland (English, Gaelic and Scots) it is for all practical purposes an English speaking country. Some regions have a very strong dialect. Approximately 60,000 people, mainly in the Highlands & Islands, speak Gaelic.
Other Information
Scotland has its own legal system and education structure. These are different from that in England & Wales.
The devolved Scottish Parliament has responsibility for many issues including health, education, justice, rural affairs, transport and local government. The UK government based in London is responsible for areas such as defence, foreign affairs and taxation.
For information on the Scottish education system visit www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education
For general information on Scotland visit visitscotland.com
To learn more about Scotland’s National Parks visit www.lochlomond-trossachs.org and www.cairngorms.co.uk
Edinburgh
Population: approx. 450,000
The capital of Scotland. The UK’s largest financial centre outside of London.
Edinburgh is built on a number of hills. The centre is basically divided in two – the Old Town and the New Town.
Princes Street is the main shopping street in the city centre.
Edinburgh is, of course, home to the world famous Edinburgh International Festival and Festival Fringe which takes place every year in August. However, at any time of the year there is a wide choice of entertainment for all tastes. There are many excellent museums and galleries and of course lots of bars, restaurants and clubs. All in all a very cosmopolitan city.
For more information on Edinburgh visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet
Glasgow
Population: approx 620,000
Set on the River Clyde this is the largest city in Scotland. More than 1 million people live in the Greater Glasgow area.
Traditional heavy industries such as shipbuilding have been replaced by a mix of business which includes financial services, communications bio-sciences, healthcare and retail.
Glasgow city centre has the UK’s second largest retail sector, after London’s West End.
There are a number of concert venues such as the Clyde Auditorium (Scotland’s answer to the Sydney Opera House) where many of the world’s top singers and groups come to perform. Glasgow is also home to Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet and along with numerous theatres and clubs there is a wide choice of live entertainment on offer year round.
There is an extensive choice of restaurants, bistros and cafes to suit all culinary tastes.
The waterfront area of the city is currently undergoing a major regeneration.
For more information on Glasgow visit www.glasgow.gov.uk
From Glasgow you can drive to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park in less than an hour.
Aberdeen
Population: approx. 220,000
Situated in North East Scotland the city is often referred to as the Granite City due to so many of its building being built from this local stone. And, of course, it’s also called the Oil Capital of Europe which makes Aberdeen one of the most prosperous cities in the UK.
Aberdeen is particularly attractive in the summer when all its flower displays are in full bloom.
There is a wide choice of entertainment, shopping and leisure facilities and the city’s Exhibition and Conference Centre attracts top names in entertainment.
If whisky is your tipple then some of Scotland’s top distilleries are close by. As are the Grampian Mountains and miles of sandy beach. There is no shortage of outdoor activities on offer.
For more information on Aberdeen click here
Inverness
Population: approx. 67,000
Set on the River Ness the city is known as the Capital Of The Highlands. The Caledonian Canal, via Loch Ness links Inverness to Fort William in the west. You can walk or cycle along the towpath from Inverness.
Inverness Castle, built in 1835 sits on a cliff overlooking the river.
The main entertainment venue in the city is the Eden Court Theatre but there are many smaller venues offering a wide variety of entertainment.
The main shopping area is the Eastgate Shopping Centre and there are many speciality shops throughout the city.
There is a choice of restaurants, cafes and bars to suit all tastes.
For more information on Inverness visit www.citypartnership.org.uk
